The route for this year’s National Road Championships, which take place in Glasgow from 20 to 23 June, has been announced today – the first time the event will be held on a city-centre course, and the first time it will combines the road race and time trial.

The 14.2 kilometre road race route, held on Sunday 23 June and which starts and finishes on Glasgow Green, incorporates parts of the one that will be used in next year’s Commonwealth Games, taking in Buchanan Street as it goes towards Kelvingrove Park and the West End.

The riders will then turn round and head back via Sauchiehall Street and George Square. It will be ridden 13 times in the men’s race and eight times in the women’s one, with plenty of spectating opportunities along the way and of course all the amenities of a city centre.

Mr Matheson commented: “Cycling has really grown in popularity recently with the success of British athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Tour de France.

“To get the chance to see world class cyclists competing here on our doorstep is great for Glasgow and Scotland.

“There will be a real buzz around the city that weekend and I hope that people will turn out to soak up the atmosphere and show their support.

“Businesses too can benefit from the increased number of visitors to the city.

“We are committed to bringing major sporting events to the city and developing sport at all levels.

“The new Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome at the Emirates Arena has already played host to the UCI Track Cycling World Cup and in August will welcome the next generation of cycling stars at the UCI Juniors World Track Cycling Championships.”

Mr Burn added: “We are delighted that the British National Road Race and Time Trial Championships are coming to Glasgow and the surrounding area. It will give cycling fans all over Scotland the chance to see world class cycling stars in action on home soil, right in the heart of the city.”

“I have no doubt that world class events taking place in Scotland will aid the development of cycling in this country, by providing inspiration to our current riders and encourage spectators all over Scotland to try their hand at this fantastic sport.”

“Over the past ten years cycling in this country has gone from a minority pass time to become one of the UK’s fastest growing sports and right across Scotland and the UK we have seen a substantial growth in the number of people taking part in cycling. Here in Scotland we have seen a 109% increase in membership in the last four years.”

The time trial will be held in East Ayrshire on Thursday 20 June, and John Campbell, Deputy Provost of East Ayrshire Council said: “East Ayrshire Council is absolutely delighted to be a part of this incredibly exciting event.

“Cycling has well and truly grasped the imagination thanks to the sterling efforts of our cyclists at London 2012 and, of course, Sir Bradley Wiggins winning last year’s Tour de France.

“Stewarton will play host to the National Time Trial Championships and the streets of East Ayrshire will come alive as the best cyclists in the country compete for the winner’s jersey.”

You can find full details of the 2013 National Road Race Championships, including downloadable course maps, on a dedicated section of the Glasgow Life website.